davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
THEIR APPETIrEs ALL RIGHT.
A Hearty supper Eaten with Relish and
Good Breakfast Ordered

A Hearty Supper Eaten with Relish and n
Good Breakfast Ordered.
At 80 Thursday night Sheriff Matson went
in person to the four condemned men and asked
them what they wanted TO eat. Spies and
Fischer were in the library, Engel sat chatting
yate office, while Parsons reposed in his cell,
discoursing breeZily through the open door to
the death watch, who leaned against the sash
and smoked cigar.
forced cheerfulness, TO be hungry. Spies asked
for mutton chops fried eggs, and coffee and
Fischer wanted the same, saying that for meat
he preferred boefsteak. Engel and Parsons
orders were served with creditable promptitude
from neighboring restaurant Spies and
Fischer sat side by side upon Il pile OF
etsEsssss& tsSiys ada Ia ths I'VE sRnrs
and tested with the baiiffs. Engel ate but lit
tie OF his supper, and continually stroked his
chin and throat, whilo he cracked grim Germ an
jokes with his two watchers. Parsons won't
through his meal artily and said nothing
until, finishing his repast, he bru shed the
dishes aside, struck a match on his flank, and
leaned back to smoke and resume gossip with
the solitary guardsman.
When the restaurateur went around to clear
away the remnants and the crockery service he
took the four meu's orders for the Inorrow's
breakfast, which was TO be their last meal on
earth. Spies and'Fischer united on beefsteak.
preference on fried oysters and milk toast,
while Engel sturdily demanded steak and
coffee, with the evident view OF faring better at
breakfast than he did at supper.
Lingg's last meal consisted Of potato salad,
chicken salad, and coffee. This he ate ON
Wednesday night When the restaurateur re-
quested his order for the morning he replied
You needn't bring me anything. shant cat,
thus evidencing that he even then contem-
plated his self-destruction before another meal
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
hOuld rese We your prayers for those who need

should rese We your prayers for those who need
them"
The two mon then discussed matters OF re.
ligion and social economy, and Spies waxed
warm in his defense OF the doctrines OF social
ism as IL looked to him. The conversation was
n long and somewhat rambling one, and finally
Mr.. Bolton arose, bade spies adiou and jeff
him.
When he had gone the latter turned 10 the
two deputies who kept watch over him, and
with short laugh exclaimed: Now, what can
you do with men like that2 One doesn't like 70
insult them, and yet one finds IL hard 10 endure
their unlooked-for attentions"
Spies then waved talkative and aired his
opinion freely to his death watch. Deputy John
B Hartke. Speaking of the anarchists trial,
he said that its conduct and the finding were
without precedent in the history Of this coun-
try.
why, don't You know" said he, "that when
the jury brought In the verdict they were all 50
badly frightened that they trembled, and the
Judge himself, when he pronounced the sen
tence, shook like leaf"
This, he said, looked bad.
~Ill tell YOU" he continued, "in five or six
years from now the people will see the error OF
hanging us, 10 they do not see II sooner
With this Spies, who had been lying ON his
back with his hands avove his head, removed
them and turned on his side with his face tc
the WALL
The anarchist editor then lay down on the
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
FRIDAY MORNING.

Bravado of Spies and Parsons-The Last
BrcaIxfast-Ota aer Incidents of the Morn
ing.
At tG O'Clock spies guards came off duty for
moment or two One OF them. Deputy Sheriff
Hartke said Spies had slept well ever since
O clock, but that beforo that time he was awake,
though he pretended t. be asleep ANY little
noise disturbed him, but the gua,ds were warm
in praise OF his nerve. When spies turned in
aud did not undross. Turning TO tho guards
while slowly pul ling at his cigar Spies said
Boys, / IL be just as steady tomorrow when
this little matter comes of ns am now"
The police were out early. At 6 o'clock
promptly 400 OF thom were IL limo in front OF
the Criminal Court blill ling and ranging along
on tho sidewalk Of the jail IN Illinois street.
Small details of police weri put ON duty in
the court yard of the jail, more were
assigned TO DOS tions in the allec, and others
nus alongside the jail and Criminal Court
building At the same time ropes were stretched
alo lark street from 10th sdos OF Michigan
and Illinois street aud long Dearborn avenue,
likowise In Illinois and Michigan streets. On
all these thoroughfdr,s traffic wns stopped. On
none except Clark street was traffic permitted
As the morning wore slowly along the hustle
in the jail increased. he deputies and re-
porters who were on duty all night we're re-
lieved. and new men took the places
Seven o'clock camo and the twilight Of dawn
had Frightened into tho full boam OF day. At
that hour the anarchists were already astir:
bolt upright. He began to talk socialism to his
guard, but his haggard facJ revealed the strag-
gle that was going ON inside
Att ~ two waitfrs from Martells restaurant
brought 20 the prisoners their breakfast. The
edibies were carried in large, now clothes
basket and tho linen and tableware looked
bright and clean. little incident occurred
when Parsons etepped out e. wash himself,
which was described by Lieutenant Laughln
All the other anarchists contentod themselves
with washing at the tap,'but when Parsons
walked up TO the basin he exclaimed: Il 500 no
wash. basin here. / am accustomed to washing
in n basin, and want one now"
HIS manner was extremely defiant, but
though he reiterated his request for the basin
in gruff tones he did not get the desired uten-
sill. He, by far, exhibited the most bravado Of
any OF the anarchists
Sheriff Matson reached the jail Mt 7 :25 o'clock
lie looked hncgard and depressed. and said but
little to tho re orters. After glance through
the interior OF the jail he came out and went TO
his private offioe. lie had at that time rooeiv-
ed no news from the Governor. or any other
source
The Rev. DR.. Bolton arrived at z AS, aud, after
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
PARSONS AND FISCHER.
Both Refuse Spiritual Comfort-Parsons
Insults the Visiting Ministers.


Fischer's last night was quietly spent. He
watch said though he did not sleep
much, he appeared TO take the terri
BILE ordeal put upon him with great
composure-almost indifference. He, too,
coldly repulsed Dr. Bottoms prohered spiritual
aid. Though his sleepless eyes stared vacantly
at the wall OF his cell, he tai Sed but little No
sign OF nervousness or fear could be traced on
the hard, clear-cut features He was evidently
prepared to meet his fate uniinchingly and TO
die boldly.
When Dr. Bolton called upon Parsons he was
received with the same courtesy which has al
ways distinguished that erudite nnal chist The
condemned man. however, did not seem TO take
kindly to the profered ministrations Of the
clergyman.
You are welcome, DIR. Bolton" ho said ;
pray, what can l do for you?'
The reverend visitor explained his mission
and the old cynical expression stole o. or Par
sons face. "Proachers are all phariseos," he
answered, and you know what Jesus Christs
opinion of the Pharisees was Ho called them
whited sepulchcrs. don't desire to have any
thing to do with either"
DIR. Bolton demonstrated n little, and finally
faTs4ns ven, sWRRsarSa W, ssia, ~ "a,
do not absolutely refuse your kind attentions,
will impress on you the fact that did not want
you"
A desultory conversation ensued, and the
minister ON leaving, told Parsons that he
would pray earnestly for him during the night
Tho anarchists hard gray eye grew moist,
and no murmured, hoarsely' Thank you,
but added: Don't forget though, didn't send
for Won.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17

almost as the shroud which IL surmounted.
Spies had scarcely taken his place when he
was followed by Fischer. He, too, was clad in q
long white shroud that was gathered in at the
ankles. His tall figure lowered several inches
over that of Spies, and as he stationed himself
behind his particular moose his face was very
pale, but faint smile rested upon his lips
Like Spies, the white robe set off to advantage
tho man stood there waiting for his last moment
his pale face calm as IL he were asleep.
s.Hext CANA GEORGE Epgel.- There WAS q ruddy
anarchist, and when he ranged himself along
side Fischer he raised himself to his full height.
while his burly form seemed to expand with the
feelings that were within him.
Iast came Parsons. His face looked actually
handsome though It was very pale When he
stepped upon the gallows he turned partially
sideways to the dangling moose and regarded
1t with n fixed, stony gaze--one of min
gled surprise and curiosity. Then he
Strengthened himself under the fourth moose.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
of curious people were being kept moving up
and down Clark street and Dearborn avenue.
THE FATAL DROP.


''Hurrah for Anarchy" Shouts Engel-
Parsons Choked on I'm the Middle of n
Sentence.
Parsons was given cup OF coffee q few min
utes before the march to the scahold was
begun.
IL was exactly IL so o'clock when Chief Bailin
Cahill entered the corridor and stood beneath
the gallowe. He requested in solemn tones
that the gentlemen present would remove thetr
hats Instantly every head was barod. Then
the tramp, tramp Of many footsteps were heard
rosounding from the central corridor, and the
crowd in front OF the gallows knew that the
condemned men had begun the march OF death.
Tho slow, steady marin sounded nearer and
feet OF the scadold. There was a pause. The
condemned men we're about TO mount tho stair
way leading TO the last platform from which
they would ovor speak. Step by step, steadi-
ly they mounted the stairway, and again
there was another slight pause. Every eye was
bent upon the metallic angle around which the
four wretched victims were expected to make
their appearance A moment later the curiosity
was rewarded. With steady, unfaltering step,
a white-robed figure stepped out from behind
the protectipg met tllis screen and stood upon
the drop. ltwas August 81 les. TWAS evident
underneath his snowy shroud
He walked with a firm, almost stately, tread
across the platform and took bis stand under
the left-hand moose at the corner Of the scaffold
farthost from the side at which he had entered
Very pale was the expressive face. and a
solemn, far-away light shone In his blue eyes.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
NUMBER 80.

HIS tawny hair was brushed back In the usual
crisp waves from tho big white forehead.
Nothing could be imagined more melan-
choly, and at the same time dicnifled.
than the expression which sat upon the face OF
August Spies at that moment. The chin was
covered with a freshly budding beard that
partially concealed the expression OF the
himly cut mouth. The lines were a little
hardly drawn around tho corners, however,
and bespoke great internal tension. He
stood directly behind the still moose, which
reached down almost TO his breast, and, having
frst cast a momentary glance upward at the
rope, let his Dyes fall upon the 200 faces that
were upturned toward him Never a muscle
did he move, however; no sign OF fiinching or
fear could be discerned In the white face-white
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17

depositing his satchel on chair and hanging up
his o ercoat in the jail Office, pass cd into the
ligious conversation. Parsons had not yet hn-
ished breakfast. What passed between them is
unknown. In the meantime Spies had called for
paper and envelopes, and when they were fur
nished him, he began writing. He was inter-
rupted by the Sheriff. who accosted him, and
stood In front OF the cell door while they talked.
then passed on. After a stav OF eighteen min
utes in Parsons cell, DIR. folton emerged, and
walking TO Spies door, stood looking at that in-
dividual, who glanced at the Clergyman and
continued his writing DIR. Bolton remained
standing In front Of Spies two or three min
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
see that nothing was handed to sohwab by his
soHwAR BREAKs DOWN.


After twenty minutes Of afectionate fare
well, Mrs. Schwab arose to go from her hus-
bands presence, and then only did the hus-
band break down. He arose as she did, and
suddenly throwing both arms around her neck,
kissed her again and again. The scene was
touching in the extreme, and the crowd OF Of
ficers and reporters were alike affected. Tear
ing herself away with mighty struggle, the
heart-broken woman turned to leave the jail,
as she supposed, for the last time, no word
having been received at that time Of the Gov
eTnor's mercy TO Schwab.
NO TEARS IN ENGELs EYES.
Engels oldest daughter was the next 70 ar
rive, and was shown into Mr.. Folz's private Of
nee, whore her father was sitting ON the lounge.
As soon as she saw him she threw both arms
about his neck. and kissed him adectionatoly.
Engel was very little moved by the grief of his
daughter, although his eyes showed signs OF
tears once or twice. After remaining with him
for about fifteen minutes his daughter left him
10 his fate. As she reached the jail door she was
completely unnerved, and was crying bitterly,
with head downoast.
MRS. SPIES IL DRoKEN-HEARTED.
The visit Of Spies aged mother n little before
o'clock was one of the most pathetic scenes
ever witnessed In the county jail. Mrs. Spies
was dressed In black and deep lines of care and
suffering we're plainly noticeable ON her face.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
Death Warrants Read to the Vic
Tins Before Their Removal
to the Fatal Trap.
Various Ways in Which the Four
Anarchists Passed Their Last
Night on Earth.
Closing Scenes in the Great Tragedy
"A History OF the Hay
market Riot.

The four anarchists, August Spies, Al
bert R. Parsons, George Engel, and Adolph
Fischer, were hanged at the county Jail in
Chicago on Friday morning, Nov. II. The
execution occurred at 1859 o'clock. There
was an absence of many of the usual for
malities on the scaffold, the Sheriff reading
the death warrant to the men in the Ii
brary before leading them to the gallows,
where they perished miserably for their
participation in the haymarket tragedy.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17

gray eyes upon the crowd below with such a
look OF awful reproach and sadness as could
not fail TO strike the innermost chord OF the
hardest heart there 1t was look never
to be forgotten. Thero was an
expression almost of inspiration on the
white calm fafe ,nIn and TIE Fsetk tknd dst9Ry ksR
what have done?"
There they stood upon the scaffold, four
white-robod figures, with set, stoicRl faces, to
which il would seem no influence could bring u
tremor Of fear.
And now ba'lif approaches, and, seizing
Spies robe, passed leathern strap around his
ankles in n moment they were closely PIN
ioned together. Engol's legs were next
strapped together, and when the official ap-
preached Fischer the latter Strengthened up
his tall figure u lis full height and placed
his ankles close together to facilitate the
operation. Parsons was the last, but he
was the first around whose neck the fatal
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
SPIES AND DIR. BOLTON.

The Ex-EditOr of the "Arbciter Zeitung,'
Reruses tnc Mtntstcr's sympathy.
Not long after the death watch had been set
the Rev. DIR. Bolton, pastor of the First Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, called upon the prison
ers. The reverend gentleman visited the
whole four unfortunates, and his reception was
almost the same in every case.
Spies received him quietly and with a smile
II have called on you, Mr.. Spies" said the
clergyman. Ito help Won 70 prepare for the
away"
Spies smiled again, but shook his head slow.
ly. There is no use praying for me, he said
in a melancholy tone; Il need them not you
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17

actors
Ats:I5 Deputy Sheriff Burke came out and
announced that all who had passes to witness
the hanging must now give them up. The re-
quest was complied with by the two-score re-
porters and others who were then present.
Though the execution, 1t was understood would
not take plac9 until after 10 O'clock this an
nouncement was looked upon q pretty sig
.nfcant hint that the awful hour was very close
at hand.
At0 80 a. m. Chief Deputy Gleason arrived
with the fatal documents authorizing the exc
cution.
Sheriff that Mrs. Parsons desired admission to
see her husband, but the Sheriff could not per-
init her TO come in at that time.
At the same time n letter was received at the
jail postInarked New York, and addressed !:
"Breuthers Spies, Lingg, ind Comrades, Chca-
go Jail, and one from Madison, Wis, addressed
TO The Condemned Anarchists" Both letters
were sent to the men.
At94i O'Clock a crowd of women dressed in
deep mourning, accompanied by two children
also in black marched down Clark street to the
ropes across Michigan street and asked the Of
fcer nt Michigan str let to be allowed to 90 into
the Jail. The crowd included Mrs. Parsons,
Mrs. Engel Mrs. Fisher. Lingg's sweetheart,
Mrs. Holmes, Mrs Spies. Miss Spios, and a
we're tho son and daughter OF A. H. FAR
sons.
The policeman told them his orders-that
they could not advance-and they moved on to
Illinois street, where they repeated their de-
maud 70 Capt. Hubbard and Lieut. Fitzpatrick.
The same thing was told them by these officers,
and all except Mrs Holmes and Mrs. Parsons
moved away. Mrs. Holmes denounced the
execution as a murder and tho policemen as
and demand admission, and tho police cont n
ued obdurate. At 10 o'clock she was stu on
hand but under the closest surveillance.
Crowds were not allowed to stand. ThronRs
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
THEIR LAST FAREWELL.
E-fefnsi oovsso5 tno r'auiIIfos or .
AnarchiSts-Sad PArtings.

AnarchIsts-Sad PartIngs.
During the afternoon of Thursday there were
sad scenes at the Jail when the families of the
anarchists came in To say farewell At 8 1C
Mrs. Schwab came to the jail to bid her Inns
band what she supposed would be a last fare
we'll She had been weeping and her face
showed deep suffering. Schwab was brought
out into the jail Office and sat silently listening
to his wife, who convorsed with him in low
tones Occasionally she would reach over and
take him by the hand or pat him encouragingly
on the knee, but his rigid face never changed
Deputy Olson sat Immediately beside them K
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER II, 1887.

bed, ana with hts white face upturned. talked
continuously with Deputy Hartke about mu-
tual acquaintances and things and events OF
days gone by He never referred to the NOR
row, and seemed desirous OF keeping the
thoughts OF his approaching execution as far as
possible from his mind.
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17
ENGEL.
Protests His Innocence and Doesn't Want
Religious Sympathy

Religious Sympathy
Engol grew a little more serious as the night
wore ON, and when no came to b3 more familiar
with the death watch, he talked with them
about the cause for which he was about TO die.
He protested his innocence over and over again,
and told the story OF the Haymarket riot, and
all he knew OF it,
The Rev. Mr.. Bolton called on Engel as he
did on the others, but with the samo unsatis-
factory result The wretchod Engel dwelt with
bitter emphasis upon the fact that it was the
informer Waller, who nfterward swore his life
away, that first informed him Of the massacre.
Il was drinking beer and playing cards with
my neighbors whan Waller called aud taunt I'd
mo With not being down in the Haymarket
night, said Engel, as big lump seemed to rise
in his throat and he aftsrward swore my life
away, but die for just cause" Engel slept
mono until 1 o'clock, but at that hour Just as
the death watch was being removed, he turned
round Ia mis- couch and dropped into a light
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17

Bravado of Spies and Parsons-The Last
BrclIxfast-Ot.' Incidents of the Morn
Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1887-11-17

utes, but receiving no recognition he walked
away
The clergyman then passed around into the
north co, ridor, and from the gallery overlooking
the scaffold took view Of that grim structure.
Then he returned aud paced nervously back
ward and forward in front OF the cells contain
ing the fated four.
1t was now 30 o'clock and not thirty feet
away from the coming victims tho massive
mitting crowds of newspaper mon and Deputy
sff6 ittle- Epopn. almost to
versation that could bo heard plainly In the
cells Nearly everybody in the room was smok-
ing, and, what with the fearful feeling OF de-
pression felt by the most hardened the place
was nearly uncomfortable.
Meanwhile the Rev Mr.. Bolton, who had
walked down the line OF cells and received but
cold recognition from tho men inside, betook
himself to the northeast corner OF the jailyard,
where tho gallows stood. The reverend gen
tleman closely scanned IL from the gallery, and
then returned again and looked into the cells,
but did not talk to the occupants while they
were writing. Following the example of Spies,
Parsons and Fischer called for writing material
and were busy writing when Mr.. Bolton re-
turned on his second visit
DIR. Gray, the Assistant County Physician,
called on the prisoners about 8 80 o'clock and
asked them nlthey required any stimulants.
Parsons, Spies, and Fischer refused. but Engel
drank three glasses of port wine.
DIR. Gray asked II more was required, and re-
ceived an answer In the negative. He how
ever. left three more glasses of wine beside the
doomed man. Parsons, Fischer, and Spies were
still busy writing when DIR. Gray's visit was
made. and their chirography was as steady and
firm as IL they were merely inditing letter OF
an article to the Atdinl or Arbetter ZettuIa1 Not